Preserved colonial port ruins, Civil War earthworks, archaeological remains, and waterfront landscapes that interpret centuries of military, commercial, and cultural history along the Cape Fear River.
Closed Sunday, Monday, and state holidays
Guided tours: Adults $2 + tax
Seniors, military, and youth: $1 + tax
How to Get There
From Wilmington (20 mi): Take US-17 south across the Cape Fear River, continue toward Winnabow, turn onto St Phillips Road SE, and follow signs to the historic site entrance at 8884 St Phillips Road SE.
Overview
Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site layers two eras on the banks of the Cape Fear River. Brunswick Town, founded in 1726, was a thriving colonial port and political center until it was abandoned during the Revolution. During the Civil War, Confederate forces built Fort Anderson here to help defend Wilmington, one of the South's last major seaports.
What to See
- Colonial foundations and excavated structures with exhibits on merchants, sailors, and enslaved people
- Civil War earthworks and gun emplacements
- Walking trails through maritime forest with views of the Cape Fear River
This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.
